Creating a Cardano Character: A Digital Ambassador

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Yilak Gizachew

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Individual

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

6

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

The project aims to create a memorable and engaging animated character that can effectively represent the Cardano blockchain in various digital media formats

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

no dependency

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

The project outputs, including the animated character design, assets, and accompanying code, will be released under an open-source license, such as the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License (CC BY-SA 4.0). This will allow for:

• Community Contribution: Others can contribute to the project by improving the character, creating new assets, or developing additional features.
• Customization: Individuals and organizations can modify the character and assets to suit their specific needs.
• Transparency: The project's code will be publicly available, promoting transparency and trust.
• Education: The project can be used as a learning resource for individuals and organizations interested in animation, character design, and blockchain technology.

[METADATA] Horizons

Entertainments

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Objective: To develop a visually appealing and engaging animated character that can represent the Cardano blockchain in various digital media formats, enhancing community engagement and understanding of the project's values and mission.

Key Features:

• Memorable Design: The character will have a unique and distinctive appearance that aligns with the Cardano brand.
• Engaging Personality: The character will possess a relatable and appealing personality that resonates with the target audience.
• Versatile Assets: The character will be designed with versatility in mind, allowing for use in various animation styles and platforms.
• Open-Source Release: The character design, assets, and accompanying code will be released under an open-source license to promote community involvement and customization.

Benefits:

• Enhanced Community Engagement: A relatable and engaging character can foster a stronger connection between the Cardano community and the project.
• Improved Brand Recognition: A visually appealing character can increase brand awareness and recognition.
• Educational Value: The character can be used to educate the community about Cardano's technology and benefits in a fun and engaging way.
• Community-Driven Development: By releasing the project under an open-source license, we encourage community involvement and collaboration.

Implementation Plan:

1. Character Development: Define the character's attributes, backstory, and design.
2. Asset Creation: Develop a variety of character assets, including expressions, poses, and animations.
3. Animation Style Selection: Choose an appropriate animation style that complements the character's personality and the Cardano brand.
4. Platform Integration: Integrate the character into various digital media formats, such as social media, videos, and educational materials.
5. Open-Source Release: Publish the character design, assets, and code under an open-source license.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

The creation of an animated Cardano character will have a significant positive impact on the wider Cardano community by:

• Strengthening Community Engagement: A relatable and engaging character can foster a stronger connection between the community and the Cardano project, leading to increased participation and support.
• Enhancing Brand Recognition: A visually appealing character can increase brand awareness and recognition, attracting new users and investors to the Cardano ecosystem.
• Promoting Education and Understanding: The character can be used to educate the community about Cardano's technology, benefits, and use cases in a fun and engaging way, fostering a deeper understanding of the project.
• Fostering Collaboration and Innovation: By releasing the character design, assets, and code under an open-source license, we encourage community involvement and collaboration, leading to new innovations and improvements.
• Supporting Community-Driven Initiatives: The character can be used to support community-driven initiatives, such as educational campaigns, marketing efforts, and social events.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

 I can ensure that the project adheres to the principles of trust and accountability by:

• Offering Detailed Instructions: Providing clear guidelines on character design, animation techniques, and project management.
• Suggesting Effective Tools: Recommending software and resources for the project.
• Encouraging Collaboration: Promoting open communication and teamwork among team members.
• Prioritizing Ethical Considerations: Ensuring that the character and its usage align with ethical guidelines.

To validate the feasibility of the approach:

• Conducting a Feasibility Study: Analyzing the project's scope, resources, and potential challenges.
• Seeking Expert Input: Consulting with animation professionals, blockchain experts, and community members.
• Creating a Detailed Project Plan: Outlining the project's timeline, milestones, and deliverables.
• Conducting Regular Evaluations: Monitoring progress and making necessary adjustments.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Month 1-2:

• Concept Development and Character Design: Finalize the character's concept, personality, and appearance. Create initial sketches and design assets.

Month 3-4:

• Animation Style Selection and Storyboarding: Determine the animation style that best suits the character and project. Create storyboards to outline the character's journey and interactions.

Month 5-6:

• Prototype Completion: Develop a working prototype of the animated character, including basic animations and interactions. Conduct user testing to gather feedback and make necessary adjustments.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Project Manager: Yilak Gitachew Oversees the project's timeline, budget, and resources.

Character Designer: Yonatan Gebre Creates the character's concept, design, and assets.

Animator: Samual Endal Brings the character to life through animation techniques.

Storywriter: liyu Tegegn Develops the character's backstory and narrative.

Technical Lead: Eyerus Musse Ensures the project's technical feasibility and implementation.

Community Manager: Tsion Gebreyesus Engages with the Cardano community and gathers feedback.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

• Character Design and Development: 30,000 ADA
• Character concept, sketches, and final design
• Asset creation (expressions, poses, animations)
• Animation Production: 50,000 ADA
• Storyboarding
• Animation (2D or 3D)
• Sound effects and music
• Rendering and post-production
• Project Management and Coordination: 10,000 ADA
• Project planning and scheduling
• Team management and communication
• Quality control
• Community Engagement and Marketing: 10,000 ADA
• Social media outreach
• Community events and workshops
• PR and marketing materials

Total: 100,000 ADA

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The cost of the proposed project, 100,000 ADA, represents a valuable investment for the Cardano ecosystem due to the following reasons:

1. Community Engagement and Brand Building: A well-designed and engaging animated character can significantly enhance community engagement and strengthen the Cardano brand. This can attract new users, investors, and developers to the ecosystem.
2. Educational Value: The character can be used to educate the community about Cardano's technology, benefits, and use cases in a fun and accessible way. This can increase understanding and support for the project.
3. Long-Term Benefits: The character can be used for various purposes, including marketing, education, and community building, providing long-term benefits to the Cardano ecosystem.
4. Potential for Community-Driven Development: By releasing the project outputs under an open-source license, the community can contribute to the character's development and expansion, potentially reducing future costs and increasing its value.
5. Investment in the Future: The project can be seen as an investment in the future of Cardano, helping to establish a strong brand identity and foster a vibrant and engaged community.